May 23, 2025   Author - Marcie Mcmanus

Eyebrow Tattoo Aftercare Guide: Pro Tips for Microblading, Powder & Nano Brows

Proper eyebrow tattoo aftercare is essential to ensure beautiful, long-lasting results. Whether you’ve had microblading, powder brows or nano brows, it’s important to follow the correct healing process. This will help preserve your shape and color.

In this guide, you’ll learn expert eyebrow tattoo aftercare tips. These tips will support healing and prevent scabbing. They will also keep your brows looking their best.

Most healing takes about 25 to 30 days, with the first 7–14 days being the most important.

Key Takeaways

• Follow eyebrow tattoo aftercare instructions carefully to ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results.
• Avoid direct water exposure, excessive sweating, and sun exposure to prevent irritation and fading during the initial healing stage.
• If needed, schedule a touch-up appointment within 6 to 8 weeks to perfect your brows and address any healing concerns.

Supplies You’ll Need for Eyebrow Tattoo Aftercare

To keep your skin clean, soothed, and protected during the healing process, we recommend having the following on hand:

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment – Soothes the skin and promotes healing
• Cotton Swabs – For clean, precise application of ointment
• Vaseline – Skin barrier to protect your fresh eyebrow from water while showering
• Water Wipes – Gentle wipes to cleanse the area without harsh chemicals
• Ice Pack – Helps reduce swelling or discomfort in the first 24 hours

Post-Procedure Aftercare Instructions

Immediately after your eyebrow tattoo procedure, it’s normal to have some tenderness, redness, and light swelling around your brows. These symptoms usually fade within a few hours.

To feel more comfortable, apply an ice pack as needed during the first day.

These steps are based on years of professional experience and are designed to help your brows heal smoothly. Following them closely will make a big difference in how your results turn out.

Days 1–7: Cleaning and Moisturizing

Cleaning

• Clean brows twice a day (morning and night) using a wet wipe. Do not soak or saturate your brows in water.
• Apply a thick layer of Vaseline before showering or washing your face to protect your brows. Gently wipe it off afterward with a fresh wipe.
• Let brows air dry for 3–5 minutes. Then apply your aftercare ointment or Aquaphor once the skin is fully dry. Make sure your brows are completely dry to avoid trapping moisture under the ointment.

Moisturizing

• Apply aftercare ointment or Aquaphor three times a day with cotton swabs. Do this in the morning, at noon, and at night for at least three weeks.
• If your skin is very dry, add 2 extra applications. If it’s oily, skip the ointment.
• Use a rice-grain-sized amount per brow. Apply using clean cotton swabs—never your fingers, and no double dipping the swab into the ointment.

Applying the Aftercare Ointment

• Gently massage the ointment into your skin, moving from the head of the brow to the tail and back again. Be sure to work it beneath any brow hairs so it reaches the skin—not just the surface hairs.
• If ointment is dripping, you’ve used too much. Blot with a tissue.
• Less is more. Your skin needs air to heal properly.
• Be firm but gentle. Tapping does little, and pressing too hard can cause irritation or poor pigment retention.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in the First Week

During the first week of your eyebrow tattoo aftercare, follow these precautions:

• Avoid sweating. Wear a headband if you’re working out.
• No steamy showers, hot tubs, or saunas.
• Skip dusty chores like heavy cleaning.
• Don’t apply makeup, lotion, or sunscreen to your brows.
• Stay out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds.
• Don’t ride in open vehicles where dust can blow onto your brows.
• Sleep on your back to avoid rubbing your brows on your pillow.
• Around day 5, scabbing and flaking starts—this is normal. Don’t pick or scratch.
• Don’t let the family dog lick your face!
• It’s normal for brows to look darker or uneven during healing. This will settle.

Days 8–14: Continued Care

• Continue avoiding sun and tanning.
• Don’t use glycolic acid, Retin A, or any harsh skin care near or on your brows.
• Even if they look healed on the surface, your skin is still recovering underneath.

Long-Term Eyebrow Tattoo Aftercare Tips

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, applying sunscreen on your brows helps prevent fading caused by UV exposure.

• Avoid chemical peels, glycolic acid, or lasers on the brow area.
• Use SPF 30–50 sunscreen on your brows when outside to protect the colour.
• These simple steps help extend the life of your eyebrow tattoo results.

Understanding the Eyebrow Tattoo Healing Process

The eyebrow tattoo healing process usually takes 25 to 30 days. Your brows may appear darker at first, then lighten as they flake and settle into a more natural shade.

Mild flaking, itching, and dryness are all normal. Picking at your brows can cause uneven pigment or scarring—let the skin heal naturally.

Following a solid eyebrow tattoo aftercare routine is the best way to ensure beautiful, long-lasting results.

When to Schedule Your Follow-Up Appointment

Schedule your touch-up 6 to 8 weeks after your first session. This allows time for healing and lets you make any changes to shape or colour. It’s the perfect time to fine-tune your results and correct any faded areas.

What to Do If You Experience Complications

If you think you have an infection, don’t guess. Watch for signs like increased swelling, redness beyond the brow area, discharge, or pain that doesn’t improve.

Don’t use topical antibiotics unless you have an infection, as they can affect pigment retention by pulling the colour out. Contact your technician or healthcare provider right away if you think you have an infection.

Explore More Eyebrow Tattoo Resources

Want to dive deeper into healing and brow tattoo care? Check out these guides:

• Microblading Healing Day by Day
• Powder Brows vs. Microblading: What’s the Difference?
• How Long Does Eyebrow Tattooing Last?
• Avoid These 7 Eyebrow Aftercare Mistakes

Summary

Patience and proper eyebrow tattoo aftercare are key to achieving beautiful, lasting results. When you care for your brows correctly, you help preserve their colour, shape, and overall appearance.

I have over 15 years of experience in the permanent makeup industry. I specialize in creating natural brows that enhance your unique beauty.

Ready to transform your look? Call Marcie McManus at 289-839-0258 or visit www.colourclinic.com to learn more about permanent makeup services or to book your appointment.

Written by Marcie McManus, Founder of Colour Clinic
Cosmetic & Medical Tattoo Specialist
627 Lyons Ln, Unit 201, Oakville, ON
Email: ita2you@gmail.com | Tel: 289-839-0258 | www.ColourClinic.com
Ready for new brows? Click here to book your appointment today!